Discovering spiritual Japan

Japan is a land rich in culture and spirituality, which goes far beyond the images of its crowded metropolises. Among its most precious treasures are the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, a tangle of ancient paths that cross the forests and mountains of Kansai, once trodden by emperors, monks and samurai. These itineraries, little traveled by mass tourism, offer a unique immersion in the history and spirituality of the country.

 

 

In addition to the sacred paths, there are many other authentic experiences to live, which allow you to get in touch with the local culture and find inner peace. Below are some of the must-do activities for those who want to discover a more intimate and meditative Japan. 

 

One of the most authentic experiences in Japan is the one that allows you to come into direct contact with local communities, away from the lights of the big cities. A case in point is Shirakawa-go Village, located in Gifu Prefecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This charming village, a short bus ride from Takayama (50 minutes), is famous for its traditional gassho-zukuri houses, built without the use of nails, simply by fitting wooden beams together.

 

 

These buildings, which serve as both museums and accommodation, offer a window into Japan's past and rural life in the past. Among the places to visit is the Tajima House, where the Tajima House stands out, where the Tajima House is the most important place to visit. A dive into history that allows you to better understand Japanese culture and its evolution.

 

Japan is also synonymous with meditation and inner peace. The practice of zazen, or Zen meditation, is one of the most profound experiences for those seeking self-realization and mindfulness. This discipline can be experienced in many temples around the country, even in metropolises such as Tokyo and Kyoto, where group sessions open to all are organized.

 

 

However, for a very special experience, the Haku Jukan hotel, located in Fukui Prefecture (Chubu region), offers the possibility of staying near the Eiheji Monastery Complex, one of the main centers of the Soto school of Zen Buddhism. Here, guests can participate in morning zazen sessions led by an expert, who will take them on a journey of inner discovery and exploration of monastic traditions, with activities that also include copying sutras.

 

Among the most fascinating paths in Japan, the Kumano Kodo stands out for its sacredness and beauty. This ancient pilgrimage route, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2004, winds through the prefectures of Wakayama, Nara, Osaka and Mie, and consists of seven different paths that connect the three sacred shrines of Kumano Sanzan: Kumano Hayatama Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha (with the nearby Nachi Seigantoji Temple) and Kumano Hongu Taisha.

 

 

These places represent the spiritual heart of the way, but along the various paths there are numerous other shrines, the "99 Oji Shrines", which offer shelter and guidance to pilgrims. Walking on these paths, followed for centuries by emperors and monks, means embarking on a journey towards purification and healing, in a natural setting of extraordinary beauty. These paths dedicated to spirituality have been trodden by emperors, monks and samurai of the past in search of healing and purification.

 

Japanese temples are often associated with images of peace and tranquility, but some of them, away from the crowds, offer unique and atmospheric experiences. Like the Tsubosaka-dera, in Nara Prefecture (built in the seventh century when the city was the capital of Japan), which offers a breathtaking view of Mount Yoshino and its cherry forests. This temple, in addition to being a place of worship, allows visitors to participate in night tours led by monks, who show the most sacred and confidential areas, such as the thousand-armed Senju Kannon statue. A rare experience that allows you to wear traditional clothes and take part in a Buddhist prayer session.

 

 

Moving on to Kanagawa Prefecture, there is the Hase-dera temple, linked to its namesake in Nara by a fascinating history: inside it is kept the "sister" of the statue of Kannon located in the ancient capital. This statue, commissioned by the monk Tokudo Shonin and thrown into the sea as an offering, resurfaced years later near Kamakura, where the temple was built to accommodate it. Hase-dera, located on a hill, offers panoramic views of Kamakura and the ocean, and is surrounded by an enchanting garden that transforms with the seasons: from the vibrant colors of the autumn leaves to the delicate blossoming of the spring cherry trees. An ideal place for those seeking tranquility and for photographers looking for spectacular shots.

 

Exploring these places means discovering a more intimate and authentic Japan, where the past and the present come together in a perfect balance between nature, spirituality and tradition. An unforgettable experience for those who want to go beyond the conventional tourist routes and experience the true essence of the Land of the Rising Sun.

Text source and photo: JNTO Press Office - Japan National Tourism Organization

Photo: Copyright © JNTO - Japan National Tourism Organization

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